By Rosemary Ogbonna
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that efforts are underway to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states, describing their safe return as a top national priority and stated that terrorism will be defeated.
The government also reaffirmed its determination to defeat terrorism, stating that security agencies are deploying all lawful measures to rescue those in captivity and bring the perpetrators to justice.
At least 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and 15 during separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.
In Oyo State, another 40 pupils were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and a security operative during rescue efforts.
Speaking at a special national security press briefing themed ‘Unite Against Terror’ at Radio House, Abuja, on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said recent attacks on schools represented an assault on the future of the country.
“This press briefing comes at a sobering moment in our nation’s history. Recent events in Oyo and Borno States have once again tested our collective resolve as a people.
“The abduction of innocent school children and their teachers is not merely an attack on families or communities; it is an attack on the future of our nation, on education, and on the values that bind us together as Nigerians,” Idris stated.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, the minister assured citizens that every effort was being made to rescue the victims.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I wish to assure all Nigerians that the safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority,” he said.
According to Idris, Tinubu has directed security agencies to deploy all lawful means to secure the release of those in captivity.
“The President has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice.
“He has directed that every lawful instrument available to the Nigerian state be deployed towards achieving this objective, including the deployment of a specialised rescue team.
“He has also authorised the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security presence across vulnerable communities and forests within the state,” the minister highlighted.
While declining to reveal operational details, Idris said security and intelligence agencies were working in concert to rescue the victims and track the perpetrators.
Idris stated, “While operational details cannot be disclosed for security reasons, I can assure Nigerians that multiple security and intelligence agencies are working in close coordination.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Intelligence Agency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Counter Terrorism Centre are actively involved in ongoing efforts.
“Intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement, and search-and-rescue operations are continuing without interruption.”
The minister said the Tinubu administration had adopted a broader approach to tackling insecurity.
“What distinguishes the Tinubu Administration’s response is not merely the deployment of force but the adoption of a comprehensive, intelligence-led approach to national security, combined with an ongoing and long-overdue overhaul of the nation’s security architecture,” he said.
He identified state policing as a major component of the administration’s security reforms.
He pointed out, “One of the pillars of this overhaul is the determined implementation of state policing.
“President Tinubu is determined to ensure that one of his legacies is the delivery of a restructured policing system that is dynamic, flexible, and fit-for-purpose – one that truly empowers and secures local communities.”
Idris noted that Tinubu inherited a complex security environment but had pursued a strategy that combined military operations, intelligence coordination, technology, regional collaboration and socio-economic interventions.
“Since May 2023, Nigeria has recorded significant successes against terrorist and criminal networks.
“Hundreds of terrorists and criminal elements have been neutralised, arrested, or forced to surrender. Numerous victims of kidnapping have been rescued across various parts of the country,” he said.
Providing updates from the North-East, the minister said troops of Operation Hadin Kai had continued to record gains against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
Idris stated, “In the past week alone, the Nigerian Army and Air Force, acting on credible intelligence, successfully repelled multiple infiltration attempts along the Kirawa-Pulka and Ngoshe axes in Borno State.
“Follow-up operations led to the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists, including several high-value targets.”
According to him, the Theatre Commander reported that approximately 1,000 terrorists, including several commanders, were eliminated during the first quarter of 2026.
“A major breakthrough was recorded in mid-May through a joint Nigeria-United States-supported operation that disrupted terrorist logistics networks and eliminated key ISWAP commanders.
“Security forces additionally rescued 92 civilians from terrorist captivity near Buratai, while enhanced security deployments ensured that Eid-el-Kabir celebrations proceeded peacefully across key areas of the North-East,” he added.
The minister said intensified operations in the North-West and North-Central had placed increasing pressure on bandit groups and kidnapping syndicates operating across several states.
“In the North-West and North-Central regions, joint military and police operations have intensified pressure on bandit groups and kidnapping syndicates operating in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna and adjoining states.
“Several criminal camps have been dismantled, numerous suspects arrested, and intelligence-led operations have continued to deny criminal elements freedom of movement,” he stated further.
He also reported ongoing operations in the South-East and South-South against criminal networks, oil thieves and economic saboteurs.
The minister added, “Enhanced maritime security operations led by the Nigerian Navy have contributed to a reduction in oil theft, resulting in an increase of about 400,000 barrels per day of production since the President assumed office.”
Idris highlighted recent developments in terrorism-related prosecutions, including the conviction of four terrorists over the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
He stated, “Just yesterday, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted and sentenced four terrorists to death for their involvement in the horrific attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in June 2022, one of the most tragic terrorist incidents in our nation’s recent history.
“The judgment demonstrates that terrorism is being confronted not only on the battlefield but also through the rule of law.
“It sends a clear message that those who commit acts of terror against Nigerians will be pursued, prosecuted, and punished in accordance with the law.”
The minister further disclosed that more than 500 terrorism suspects were currently facing trial.
“Additionally, in April 2026, Nigeria commenced one of the largest terrorism prosecutions in its history, with more than 500 suspects facing trial for alleged involvement in terrorist activities and support for militant groups.
“According to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, 508 terrorism-related cases were brought before the courts during the latest phase of the trials, resulting in 386 convictions,” he said.
On international cooperation, Idris said Nigeria had strengthened security partnerships with the United States and other countries.
“The relationship between Nigeria and the United States has grown significantly stronger under this administration, particularly in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism cooperation, military training, border security, cybersecurity, and capacity building for security personnel,” he said.
He added that Nigeria was also collaborating with neighbouring countries and international partners to prevent terrorists from exploiting porous borders.
The minister praised cooperation between the FG and state governments, particularly in relation to the Oyo school abductions.
Idris noted, “In the case of the Oyo abductions, President Tinubu has maintained close coordination with Governor Seyi Makinde and state security authorities.
“Both levels of government are sharing intelligence, coordinating rescue operations, and mobilising resources towards securing the release of the victims.”
According to him, similar cooperation was ongoing in Borno State between federal agencies, the state government and local authorities.
Idris argued that lasting security would depend on economic growth and prosperity.
“There is a fundamental point to be made: that the enduring solution to Nigeria’s security challenges lies in shared and inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity.
“This is why President Tinubu is championing the most ambitious, forward-looking, and productive economic reforms in our nation’s history,” he stated.
The minister said investments in roads, railways, housing, power, healthcare and other infrastructure would create opportunities and improve livelihoods.
“This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about — boundless opportunities for hardworking Nigerians to succeed at what they do, whether as farmers, entrepreneurs, artisans, traders, academic workers, students, or white-collar workers,” he noted.
Calling for national unity, Idris said the fight against insecurity required cooperation from all sectors of society.
“Let me reiterate that the fight against insecurity cannot be won by any single institution acting alone. It requires partnership, trust, and a common purpose.
“Government action alone is not enough. Terrorists thrive on fear, division, misinformation, and public despair. Their objective is not only to kidnap or kill; it is to weaken national unity and undermine confidence in our institutions. We must not allow them to succeed,” the minister stated.
The minister urged journalists to report responsibly and avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda.
He also called on citizens to support security agencies by providing credible information and reporting suspicious activities.
The minister stated, “Defeating terrorism requires a whole-of-society approach. Nigeria must remain secure and united, because only in an atmosphere of peace and stability can our democracy, economy, media, and national aspirations continue to flourish.”
Explaining the significance of the briefing’s theme, Idris said, “Whether in Oyo, Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, the South-East, or any other part of Nigeria, an attack against one Nigerian is an attack against all Nigerians.
“Terrorism has no tribe. Terrorism has no religion. Terrorism has no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction.”
Addressing families of those still in captivity, the minister conveyed President Tinubu’s message.
“To the families whose children and loved ones remain in captivity, I convey the assurances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Your pain is our pain. Your government – our government – has not forgotten you.
“Every available resource is being deployed. Every security agency remains engaged. Every intelligence lead is being pursued,” he conveyed.
Expressing confidence that the country would overcome the challenge, Idris declared, “Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well. We shall defeat terrorism. We shall protect our schools.
“We shall safeguard our children. And we shall continue to build a nation where every Nigerian can live, learn, work, and prosper in peace.
“Together, united in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria.”